Meet Me Where the Oak Tree Grows novel Chapter 39

I thought about it and realized he never seemed to mind the cold. Even in winter, he would skip wearing long johns!

He paused, his expression turning a bit awkward.

"Who said that? Anyway, it wasn't me." Pretending to focus on the TV, he added, "Alright, just forget about me. If you forget, you forget. I'm not that petty."

But his eyes told a different story altogether.

Marie and Officer Cooper were watching TV, but their eyes kept drifting toward us.

I stood up and pulled out a giant knitted sunflower from behind the couch, nearly as tall as me. I had spent two weeks knitting it.

Jonah loved sunflowers so much that if a customer came in wanting a tattoo of one, he'd offer them a 40% discount without a second thought.

I teased, "Oh, maybe Jonah doesn't like this either?"

He turned his head, his eyes widening in surprise. Amid the shock was a joy he couldn't hide.

Realizing what was happening, he suddenly laughed, "Oh, you've got some nerve, teasing me, huh?"

Sensing danger, I quietly took two steps back.

He stood up, braced one hand on the back of the sofa, and in a swift move, blocked my path.

I turned to run, but he grabbed my bun, holding my fate in his hands, and started tickling me.

I wriggled and called out for help. "Mom, Mom, save me! Cooper, help me!"